Tourists are returning to South Africa – but the sector will need to go green to deal with the country's electricity crisis
Retrieved on:
Thursday, November 9, 2023
These are caused by the ailing state power entity Eskom’s crumbling infrastructure and its over-reliance on ageing and poorly maintained coal-fired power stations.
Key Points:
- These are caused by the ailing state power entity Eskom’s crumbling infrastructure and its over-reliance on ageing and poorly maintained coal-fired power stations.
- Loadshedding has worsened in 2023, with some areas experiencing power cuts for up to 10 hours a day.
- This crisis affects every aspect of the country’s economy, including its vibrant tourism sector.
- The sector contributed up to 6.4% of the gross domestic product along with 1.5 million jobs (9.3% of total jobs).
- If tourism businesses are to literally and figuratively keep the lights on they must transition towards renewable electricity generation.
What’s already being done
- The government’s Tourism Environmental Implementation Plan, published in 2021, facilitates greater participation by tourism establishments in renewable electricity generation and saving.
- These can lead to improved efficiencies and the introduction of subsidised renewable energy systems.
- In the private sector, the City Lodge hotel group shows what can be achieved by installing renewable energy systems.
- Read more:
World's beaches are changing because of climate change - green thinking is needed to save them
Getting it done
- Most innovation in South Africa towards sustainable energy generation has been self-funded as a business survival strategy to deal with the consequences of power cuts.
- The shift to renewable electricity, along with its greenhouse gas and air pollution benefits, is a happy coincidence.
- A broader transition, helped by access to finance on terms that can smooth its way, is necessary to bring about a system change for tourism.
- Through shifting the tourism sector to renewable energy, tourism in South Africa can be part of the just transition too.
Irma Booyens is affiliated with the School of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Gijsbert Hoogendoorn and Kristy Langerman do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.